Children placed in temporary bed and breakfast accommodation must receive regular checks on their health and development, according to housing minister Sally Keeble.
Keeble has called for new guidance to be issued to local authorities because she is so concerned that the most vulnerable children are not receiving special services designed to protect them.
"Homeless families are especially vulnerable. It is essential young babies and children in temporary accommodation, especially in hostels and bed and breakfast, receive follow-up visits from community midwives and health visitors," she said.
Keeble stressed there were examples of good practice such as Sheffield, which had a multi-agency team to notify primary health services, organised visits by health visitors and monitored arrangements.
The Housing Inspectorate will be asked to look at this area during inspections of relevant services following Best Value reviews. Keeble has also asked the government's bed and breakfast unit to raise the issue with local authorities, and to include the dissemination of best practice in its work.
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